Cricket 3 years ago

Matt Prior announces Retirement from Cricket

England and Sussex wicketkeeper Matt Prior today announced his retirement from all forms of the game having received a medical advice.

Matt Prior said: “Today is a very sad day for me as I am forced to announce my retirement from the game I love. I had been hoping and expecting to be fit for the start of the 2015 season. Unfortunately, this has proved impossible, and I have now had to reach this decision.

“I feel honoured to have played for Sussex and England as many times as I have and shared so many great times with both teams. I also feel privileged to have been involved in an era of such success for English cricket.

“I would like to thank my family, team-mates, coaches and the people behind the scenes that have supported me throughout the years. I have created friendships that will last forever. It would also be remiss of me not to thank the fantastic support I have had from cricket fans both at home and abroad.

“I have always tried to play with pride and passion and have a deep belief that the team will always come first, a value that will never leave me whatever I go on to do. Although I haven’t achieved all the goals I had set out to, I feel immensely proud of what I have done in my career. Sadly it is now time to move on.”

Since making his debut for England 2007, Matt Prior remained an integral part of a test side that went on to win 3 Ashes series and achieved the no.1 position in the ICC Test Rankings. During his time at England, the Sussex batsman made several match-winning contributions and will no doubt be missed.

ECB’s Director, England Cricket Andrew Strauss said: “Matt has had a wonderful career as a wicket-keeper batsman for both Sussex and England. During a period where the Test team won three Ashes series and achieved the World no.1 ranking, Matt's contribution, both on and off the field, was immense.

“It is a huge shame that his career has come to an end in this way, although his athletic wicket-keeping and counter attacking batting will live long in the memories of both his team-mates and England supporters.”